Meaning of One Of Us Must Know (sooner Or Later) [live At Nippon Budokan Hall, Tokyo, Japan - March 1, 1978] by Bob Dylan

In Bob Dylan's live performance of "One of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later)" at the Nippon Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan, on March 1, 1978, we are presented with a song that delves deep into the complexities of relationships and the inevitability of their end. With his masterful lyricism, Dylan takes us on a journey through the rollercoaster of emotions, regrets, and misunderstandings that often occur when two people are intertwined in a romantic connection.The song opens with Dylan expressing his unintended hurt towards the other person involved. He quickly clarifies that his actions were not meant to be personal, highlighting the inherent difficulties of communication and the potential to unintentionally cause pain. Through this, the song sets the stage for an exploration of the complexities of human interactions.The standout lyrics of the chorus—"Sooner or later, one of us must know, You're just doing what you're supposed to do, Sooner or later, one of us must know, I really did try to get close to you"— introduce one of the key themes of the song: the inevitability of change and the acceptance of differing paths. This theme emphasizes the natural course of relationships and the understanding that individuals will ultimately follow their own desires and aspirations. Despite Dylan's sincere efforts to establish a connection, he acknowledges that the other person's actions are not personal but merely their response to their own journey.Another compelling lyric that further deepens the exploration of the song's theme is found in the second verse: "When you whispered in my ear, And asked me if I was leavin' with you or her, I didn't realize just what I did hear, I didn't realize how young you were." Here, Dylan delves into the dynamics of power and the vulnerability that lies within relationships. He reflects on the manipulative tactics employed by the other person, realizing afterwards that he was not fully aware of the implications of their words. This lyric touches upon the theme of self-discovery within relationships and the importance of recognizing one's own naivety or lack of understanding.Moving on to the third verse, Dylan dives into the theme of illusion and the masks we wear in relationships, represented metaphorically by "When it started snowin', Your voice was all that I heard, I didn't know where we were goin', But you said you knew and I took your word." This imagery of the snowfall and the voice in the midst of chaos and confusion speaks to the enchantment that often envelops us when we are in love. It highlights the desperate desire for answers and guidance from the other person, even when we may not fully comprehend their intentions or the path they are leading us down.Ultimately, "One of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later)" delves into the intricate dance of love and its inevitable conclusion. Each standout lyric reveals an unexpected theme that contributes to the overarching narrative of the song. From the inevitability of change to the dynamics of power and the illusions we create, Dylan paints a vivid picture of the complexities and intricacies inherent in relationships. Through his poetic and introspective exploration, he invites us to reflect on our own experiences and perhaps find solace in the understanding that, sooner or later, everyone must confront the predetermined paths that shape their lives.